Barcelona’s 2–1 defeat to Girona on February 16, 2026, didn’t just spark frustration on the pitch it ignited a heated debate online around teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. A viral video by a fan known as Chiderahub captured the mood of many supporters who feel Barça now need end product more than flair.
Watch video below;
The fan’s main argument was simple but sharp: dribbling alone isn’t enough when results are on the line. While praising Yamal’s world-class ability on the ball, he insisted Barcelona “need goals, not just skills,” adding that the club has already witnessed the peak of brilliance with Lionel Messi and shouldn’t expect another carbon copy.
The criticism intensified after Yamal missed a crucial penalty just before half-time against Girona a moment that proved costly in the eventual 2–1 defeat.
Despite the backlash, the numbers tell a different story about Yamal’s impact. Barcelona themselves crowned him the “King of Dribbling” in late 2025 after he recorded 285 successful dribbles in a calendar year the most since Messi’s 297 in 2015.
By mid-February 2026, Opta confirmed the 17-year-old had already reached 150 successful dribbles in the current season, making him the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to hit that mark.
Even defenders admit the fear he brings, with Aymeric Laporte describing Yamal as a nightmare to face one-on-one because of his explosive change of direction.
For Yamal, though, the comparisons and noise don’t define him. He has consistently pushed back against being measured against legends like Messi or Ronaldo, insisting he wants to carve out his own identity. His focus, he says, is not on personal milestones but on helping Barcelona win matches and grow as a team.
The debate around Yamal reflects a wider truth about Barcelona’s current phase: fans are torn between admiring individual brilliance and demanding immediate results. Softfootball reported that Yamal’s talent is undeniable the question now is how quickly that flair turns into match-winning numbers as Barça chase consistency in a demanding season.
